Your business could help prevent the next mass extinction
Picture a world without bees to pollinate our crops, without rainforests breathing life into our planet, or without the kaleidoscope of colour found in coral reefs. Though you might imagine such concepts exist only in post-apocalyptic science-fiction films, we’re a little closer to that reality than you might think. Right now, we’re living through what experts are calling the Sixth Mass Extinction; A crisis driven not by asteroids or volcanic eruptions, but by humanity’s own actions. Our activities, from deforestation to pollution, have thrown the delicate balance of life on Earth out of its natural comfort zone. What’s more, the continuation of this could lead to the extinction of up to 1 million species in the coming decades.
What’s at the core of this crisis? Biodiversity—the variety of life on Earth—is in rapid decline, and with it goes the health of ecosystems that sustain life as we know it. But there’s still hope for us, and for the planet. Through biodiversity monitoring measures like eDNA analysis and other conservation efforts, we can slow this extinction event, and even start to reverse the damage.
What is biodiversity and why does it matter?
When we talk about biodiversity, we’re not just referring to the number of species on the planet – it’s much bigger than that. Biodiversity includes genetic diversity (the variety of genes within species), species diversity (the number of different species), and ecosystem diversity (the range of different habitats and ecosystems).
Breaking it down
Genetic diversity is what allows species to adapt to changes in their environment. If there’s a disease outbreak, for example, a species with more genetic variety is more likely to have some individuals survive.
Species diversity keeps ecosystems functioning smoothly. The more diverse an ecosystem, the more stable it tends to be. If one species goes extinct, others can step in to fill the gaps.
Ecosystem diversity ensures that life thrives in different environments—whether it’s a coral reef, a tropical rainforest, or a desert. Each of these ecosystems provides different services that benefit all of us, like clean air, fresh water, and food.
More than just lush landscapes or rare animals, Biodiversity is the backbone of our planet’s life-support system, and if we lose it, the intricate natural systems that keep our air clean, our water fresh and our crops growing will unravel.
The Sixth Mass Extinction: What’s happening?
The Sixth Mass Extinction, also known as the Anthropocene Extinction, is unlike anything the planet has seen before, and this time, it’s driven by us. Through habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, and climate change, we’ve drastically sped up the extinction process. Species are disappearing at a rate estimated to be 100 to 1,000 times faster than the natural background rate. And this isn’t just happening to obscure, faraway creatures; Many of the species at risk are ones we depend on, like bees, fish and even plants that make up our food supply.
Perhaps the most important question is what can be done to stop this crisis? One key tool that’s gaining traction is biodiversity monitoring, and while it might sound like something reserved for scientists in lab coats, it’s actually one of the most practical ways we can track, manage, and protect the species we have left.
Biodiversity monitoring: A lifeline for earth’s species
Monitoring biodiversity helps us keep tabs on the health of ecosystems and gives us early warning signs of species in trouble. By tracking which species are thriving and which are struggling, scientists can step in and make informed decisions that can help to protect them.
Spotting problems early
Biodiversity monitoring lets us catch species declines before it’s too late. Using tools like camera traps and remote sensors, scientists can track populations over time and spot changes before they become crises. For example, the use of camera traps in the Himalayas has given conservationists much-needed data on snow leopard populations, a species that’s notoriously difficult to observe in the wild.
Then there’s environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, a relatively new technique that’s helping scientists detect species in water sources without ever seeing them. By collecting water samples and analysing the DNA traces left behind, researchers can identify which species are present, from fish to amphibians, without disturbing their habitat.
Monitoring ecosystem health
Biodiversity monitoring isn’t just about counting species, though; It also helps us track the overall health of ecosystems. If we think of an ecosystem as a machine formed of many moving parts, where one part breaks down, the whole system suffers. Monitoring indicators like species richness, genetic diversity, and ecosystem productivity allows us to gauge whether an ecosystem’s various “parts” are functioning as they should.
Take coral reefs as an example, which offer some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth – but also the most fragile. By monitoring coral cover and fish populations, scientists can track the effects of rising ocean temperatures and pollution, identifying the most at-risk areas and prioritising restoration efforts.
Crafting smarter conservation strategies
After the data has been collected, the next step is turning it into action. Biodiversity monitoring helps conservationists focus their efforts where they’re needed most. Rather than throwing resources at every endangered species, monitoring allows us to target the most vulnerable ones or protect critical ecosystems, like biodiversity hotspots. These areas, like the Amazon rainforest or Madagascar, are rich in unique species and under the greatest threat from human activity; thus, efforts need to be laser-focused.
Conservation is for everyone
We’ve already mentioned that conservation efforts aren’t just for scientists, and there’s more to discuss on this front, as “Citizen science” is making it easier for everyone to get involved. Programs like the Great British Beach Clean or the global eBird project are helping gather huge amounts of data from everyday people. Involving the public in biodiversity monitoring helps spread awareness and creates a sense of responsibility for protecting nature. After all, the more people know, the more they care.
Ways your business can prevent the Sixth Mass Extinction
While biodiversity monitoring is a crucial tool, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To prevent the Sixth Mass Extinction, businesses need to address the root causes of biodiversity loss.
- Protect and restore habitats
Businesses can play a role by supporting habitat restoration projects and protecting natural areas. Every time land is cleared for development or agriculture, countless species lose their homes. Your business could support reforestation projects or invest in creating wildlife corridors to allow animals to move safely between habitats. Costa Rica’s success with reforestation is an example of how businesses can get involved and make an impact.
- Fight climate change
Climate change is pushing ecosystems to their limits. To help, your business can reduce its carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and setting climate goals. Beyond your own operations, consider supporting climate resilience projects that help protect species vulnerable to shifting habitats.
- Promote sustainable practices
Adopting sustainable practices throughout your supply chain can reduce biodiversity loss. This could mean sourcing materials from responsible suppliers, reducing waste, or using sustainable agricultural practices like agroforestry. Businesses that prioritise sustainability are not only protecting biodiversity but also future-proofing their operations.
- Work together globally
No business can tackle this crisis alone. Join forces with other companies, governments, and NGOs to drive global action. By supporting international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Paris Climate Accord, businesses can push for stronger environmental policies and greater accountability.
A time for action
Whether you believe the experts or not, the Sixth Mass Extinction is a looming threat with the potential to affect all of us. Biodiversity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for the survival of life on Earth, including human life. The good news is, there’s still time to make a difference.
Biodiversity monitoring, sustainable practices, and global cooperation can help us turn things around, and we all have a role to play. Support conservation initiatives, reduce your carbon footprint, and advocate for policies that protect our natural world. Every action, no matter how small, can help.
